James Reimer

Reimer started playing goaltender when his older brother, Mark, needed practice shooting but had no goaltender. A local minor hockey manager heard about his prowess in goal, and recruited him. His parents were unsure if minor hockey was the right fit for their son,{{cite web|title=Ulmer On Rising Star James Reimer|url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=549252|publisher=Toronto Maple Leafs|access-date=March 4, 2011|last=Ulmer|first=Mike|archive-date=January 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114231759/http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=549252|url-status=live}} so he did not play organized hockey until he was 12.{{cite news|title=The 'miracle' from 'the middle of nowhere'|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/the-miracle-from-the-middle-of-nowhere/article612332/|work=The Globe and Mail|date=February 4, 2011|access-date=August 13, 2021|last=Mirtle|first=James|location=Toronto|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813054505/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/the-miracle-from-the-middle-of-nowhere/article612332/|url-status=live}} He was first noticed by agent Ray Petkau when he was 13, after playing with a church team at a tournament in Steinbach, Manitoba. As of November 2011, Petkau was still his representative.

Reimer played his last seasons of minor hockey for the Interlake Lightning of the Manitoba "AAA" Midget league.{{cite web|title=Toronto Maple Leafs pick young Arborg goalie in NHL draft|url=http://www.interlakespectator.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2402599|work=The Interlake Spectator|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713045106/http://www.interlakespectator.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2402599|archive-date=July 13, 2011|url-status=dead}} He was the team's rookie of the year and top scholastic player after the 2002–03 season, and the most valuable player after the 2004–05 season.{{cite web|title=Interlake Lightning Awards & Honours|url=http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=INTERLAKELIGHTNINGCA&t=c&s=hockey&p=awards|publisher=Interlake Lightning|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-date=July 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712215402/http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=INTERLAKELIGHTNINGCA&t=c&s=hockey&p=awards|url-status=live}}

Reimer was selected by the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the fifth round of the 2003 WHL bantam braft, with a pick that originally belonged to the Spokane Chiefs.{{cite web|title=2003 WHL Bantam Draft: Round 5|url=http://media.whl.ca/draft/index.php?round=5&draft_id=6|publisher=Western Hockey League|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706213116/http://media.whl.ca/draft/index.php?round=5&draft_id=6|archive-date=July 6, 2011|url-status=dead}} The team drafted Reimer largely on the word of a single scout, Carter Sears. After Reimer performed poorly during his first training camp with the club, Rebels head coach Brent Sutter wanted to release him, but Sears was persistent in his support for Reimer. Reimer made the club in his third attempt after having been cut the previous two seasons.{{cite web|title=Reimer off to Red Deer|url=http://www.interlakespectator.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2401396|work=The Interlake Spectator|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713045147/http://www.interlakespectator.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2401396|archive-date=July 13, 2011|url-status=dead}} His first season in the WHL was a poor one for the Rebels; Reimer played 34 games, recording only 7 wins.{{cite web|title=James Reimer|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=89975|publisher=The Internet Hockey Database|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-date=May 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519053432/http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=89975|url-status=live}} Reimer broke his hand late in the season, an injury which cost him a chance to play for Canada at the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships.{{cite web|title=Broken hand ends banner season for Arborg goalie|url=http://www.interlakespectator.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2402288|work=The Interlake Spectator|access-date=March 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713045127/http://www.interlakespectator.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2402288|archive-date=July 13, 2011|url-status=dead}} Reimer was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the fourth round, 99th overall, of the 2006 NHL entry draft.{{cite web|title=James Reimer|url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473503|publisher=Toronto Maple Leafs|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-date=February 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228194900/http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473503|url-status=live}} John Ferguson, Jr., the Maple Leafs' general manager at the time, remembers Reimer as an unfinished product needing time to develop, being "somewhat raw". At the time of the draft, Reimer was preparing for his high school graduation and did not attend the event in Vancouver. He said, "I made a decision not to pay a lot of attention because I was reluctant to get my hopes too high." His agent, Ray Petkau, called with the news about being drafted and later brought him his Maple Leafs jersey and hat that draftees receive. Prior to the draft, Reimer had mentioned he would like to be drafted by the Los Angeles Kings, saying, "I'd love to play hockey in all that sunshine."

Reimer attended training camp with the Maple Leafs in 2006 and 2007, but was returned to the Rebels both times.{{cite web|title=James Reimer|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=5863|work=TSN|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-date=September 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906120317/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=5863|url-status=dead}} During the 2006–07 WHL season, he played in 60 games with the Rebels, recording 26 wins, 23 losses and 7 ties, the only season in his WHL career Reimer finished with a winning record. The 2007–08 WHL season was Reimer's final season in the WHL. He suffered a torn ligament in his ankle and only appeared in 30 games.{{cite web|title=Q&A with James Reimer|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11087/qa_with_james_reimer/|publisher=Hockey's Future|access-date=March 4, 2011|date=April 7, 2009|archive-date=February 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221225032/http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11087/qa_with_james_reimer/|url-status=live}} In March 2008, the Maple Leafs signed Reimer to a three-year contract worth an annual base salary of $555,000, the minimum for an NHL player at the time. The deal included a $180,000 signing bonus and playing incentives that could increase the total value of the contract to $1.8 million.{{cite web|title=James Reimer prepares for life in pro hockey|url=http://www.interlakespectator.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2405152|work=The Interlake Spectator|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713045117/http://www.interlakespectator.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2405152|archive-date=July 13, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Leafs goaltender James Reimer still getting used to life in the NHL|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/leafs-goaltender-james-reimer-still-getting-used-to-life-in-the-nhl-116672929.html|work=Winnipeg Free Press|date=February 22, 2011|access-date=March 4, 2011|last=Johnston|first=Chris}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}

File:James Reimer.jpg final|alt=An ice hockey goaltender in a blue jersey and white pads crouches in front of a goal.]]

After attending the Maple Leafs' training camp in September 2008, Reimer was assigned to their affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, of the American Hockey League (AHL). After starting the season with the Marlies, he was assigned to the Reading Royals of the ECHL. He was recalled by the Marlies and recorded his first AHL win by a score of 3–2 in a shootout on December 27, 2008, against the Manitoba Moose.{{cite web|title=Marlies get past Moose in Shootout|url=https://www.tsn.ca/ahl/story/?id=261029|work=TSN |access-date=March 4, 2011|date=December 27, 2008|archive-date=April 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416180308/http://www.tsn.ca/ahl/story/?id=261029|url-status=live}} In two stints with the Marlies, Reimer had a record of one win and two losses, with a goals against average (GAA) of 3.28 and a .882 save percentage. With the Royals, Reimer had a record of ten wins, seven losses and three ties. At the ECHL trade deadline, Reimer was moved to the South Carolina Stingrays, a team that had gone through eight goaltenders during the season. The deal was facilitated to expose Reimer to post-season experience, as the Royals were out of playoff contention.{{cite web|title=James Reimer is Turning Heads in His First AHL Season|url=http://www.oyetimes.com/sports/hockey/2571-james-reimer-is-turning-heads-in-his-first-ahl-season|work=Oye! Times|date=April 2, 2010|access-date=March 4, 2011|last=Dhanoa|first=Aman|archive-date=July 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715031623/http://www.oyetimes.com/sports/hockey/2571-james-reimer-is-turning-heads-in-his-first-ahl-season|url-status=live}} While with the Stingrays, Reimer helped them win the 2009 Kelly Cup championship. Recording four wins and one shutout over eight games in the post-season, he was named the ECHL playoffs Most Valuable Player.

After attending the Maple Leafs' training camp ahead of the 2009–10 NHL season, Reimer was again sent down to the AHL. As part of the Marlies' pre-season, Reimer competed in the Gardiner Cup, held as part of Scotland's 2009 Homecoming celebrations. He stopped 33 shots in the final as the Marlies lost 3–1 to the Hamilton Bulldogs.{{cite news|title=Marlies drop final|url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2009/09/28/11160571-sun.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001102707/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2009/09/28/11160571-sun.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 1, 2009|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=September 28, 2009|access-date=March 4, 2011}} Back in the AHL, he spent the majority of the 2009–10 season with the Marlies, playing in 26 games and recording 14 wins. He had a GAA of 2.25 and a save percentage of .925. Reimer was called up by the Leafs on an emergency basis on October 13, 2009, when starting goaltender Vesa Toskala was injured.{{cite news|title=Lousy leafs shake things up|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/709334--lousy-leafs-shake-things-up|work=Toronto Star|date=September 13, 2009|access-date=March 4, 2011|last=Hunter|first=Paul|archive-date=October 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016065939/http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/709334--lousy-leafs-shake-things-up|url-status=live}} Serving as Joey MacDonald's backup, he did not receive any playing time in his first NHL call-up and was sent back to the Marlies on October 25. Reimer missed significant time with an ankle injury during the 2009–10 season. It was not the same ankle he injured during his final season with the Red Deer Rebels.

File:James Reimer 2009.jpg after a Marlies game in December 2009]]

At the outset of the 2010–11 NHL season, Reimer again was assigned to the AHL's Marlies. He was not expected to contribute to the Maple Leafs at the NHL level during the 2010–11 season. Expectations for the young netminder were low heading into the season, with head coach Ron Wilson saying, "We wanted him to play in the minors and continue to get better, develop and try to stay healthy."{{cite news|title=Is James Reimer the real deal?|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/is-james-reimer-the-real-deal/article612164/|work=The Globe and Mail|date=March 2, 2011|access-date=August 13, 2021|last=Mirtle|first=James|location=Toronto|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813054505/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/is-james-reimer-the-real-deal/article612164/|url-status=live}} He was recalled by the Maple Leafs several months into the season, making his NHL debut on December 20, 2010, in relief of Jonas Gustavsson against the Atlanta Thrashers. He played 14 minutes in the third period, stopping all four shots he faced.{{cite web|title=Reimer Becomes 456th ECHL Player to Reach NHL|url=http://www.echl.com/reimer-becomes-456th-echl-player-to-reach-nhl-p168262|publisher=ECHL|date=December 21, 2010|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-date=July 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710165449/http://www.echl.com/reimer-becomes-456th-echl-player-to-reach-nhl-p168262|url-status=live}} Reimer made his first NHL start against the Ottawa Senators on January 1, 2011. The Maple Leafs won the game 5–1, with Reimer recording 32 saves while picking up his first career NHL win.{{cite web|title=Maple Leafs vs. Senators |url=http://senators.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2010020568 |publisher=Ottawa Senators |access-date=March 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310141800/http://senators.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2010020568 |archive-date=March 10, 2011 }} On February 3, 2011, Reimer recorded 27 saves and picked up his first career NHL shutout against the Carolina Hurricanes.{{cite news|last=Zwolinski|first=Mark|title=Reimer gets first NHL shutout as gutsy Leafs blow past Hurricanes|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/933182--reimer-gets-first-nhl-shutout-as-gutsy-leafs-blow-past-hurricanes|access-date=February 4, 2011|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=February 3, 2011|archive-date=October 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019051223/http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/933182--reimer-gets-first-nhl-shutout-as-gutsy-leafs-blow-past-hurricanes|url-status=live}} A combination of injuries and poor play by Gustavsson and Jean-Sébastien Giguère provided an opportunity for Reimer at the NHL level. His strong play caused the Leafs to carry three goaltenders on their NHL roster, a fact which did not surprise Giguère, who said, "The way he played the last time he was up, you knew he was going to get another chance."{{cite web|title=Leafs' teammates not surprised that Reimer has been recalled|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=350827|work=TSN|date=January 23, 2011|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-date=November 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101030557/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=350827|url-status=live}} Ron Wilson acknowledged Reimer as the team's starting goaltender as they set out on a late-season run for a playoff spot, saying, "It's going to be his ball the rest of the way. As long as we stay in the race. And I think he's up to it."{{cite news|title=James Reimer ready to return|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/james-reimer-ready-to-return/article1925751/|work=The Globe and Mail|date=March 1, 2011|access-date=March 4, 2011|last=Mirtle|first=James|location=Toronto|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426152037/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/james-reimer-ready-to-return/article1925751/|url-status=live}}

Reimer became a quick fan favourite during his rookie NHL season, earning the nicknames "Optimus Reim" and "The Statue".{{cite web|title=Leafs goalie Reimer still getting used to life in the NHL|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=354906|work=TSN|date=February 22, 2011|access-date=March 4, 2011|archive-date=December 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217215838/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=354906|url-status=live}} The former is a reference to the Transformers protagonist Optimus Prime, while the latter resulted from head coach Wilson's attempts to suppress the hype around the rookie goaltender only a short time into his NHL career, saying, "There's all this [attention] around here, a guy wins a game and we're ready to build a statue for him."{{cite news|title=Wilson tries to keep a lid on Reimer hype|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/wilson-tries-to-keep-lid-on-reimer-hype/article611433/|work=The Globe and Mail|date=February 3, 2011|access-date=August 13, 2021|last=Mirtle|first=James|location=Toronto|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813054507/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/wilson-tries-to-keep-lid-on-reimer-hype/article611433/|url-status=live}} Reimer's strong performance was recognized by the NHL when he was named Rookie of the Month for March 2011.{{cite news|title=Reimer nets rookie of the month honours|url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/04/01/17843811.html|newspaper=Toronto Sun|last=Hornby|first=Lance|date=April 1, 2011|access-date=April 1, 2011|archive-date=April 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404225411/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/04/01/17843811.html|url-status=live}} Reimer would have become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2011, but he signed a three-year contract worth $5.4 million ($1.8 million salary cap hit) on June 9, 2011.{{cite web|title=Maple Leafs sign goaltender Reimer to three-year contract|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=368360|work=TSN|date=June 9, 2011|access-date=June 9, 2011|archive-date=December 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217215834/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=368360|url-status=live}}

File:James Reimer 1 2012-03-07.JPG

Reimer began the 2011–12 season as the starter going 4–0–1.{{cite news|title=Maple Leafs G Reimer returns Saturday|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/maple-leafs-g-reimer-returns-saturday/|work=Fox News|date=November 27, 2011|access-date=January 29, 2012|archive-date=December 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204014110/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/12/03/maple-leafs-g-reimer-returns-saturday/|url-status=live}} He suffered an injury on October 22 in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. During the game, Reimer was run into by Brian Gionta—he finished the first period, but did not return after the intermission. The team called the injury whiplash despite rumours that he was suffering from a concussion.{{cite news|title=Reimer out but Leafs say it's not a concussion|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/reimer-out-but-leafs-say-its-not-a-concussion/article618676/|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=November 27, 2011|access-date=August 13, 2021|last=Mirtle|first=James|location=Toronto|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813054505/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/reimer-out-but-leafs-say-its-not-a-concussion/article618676/|url-status=live}} Reimer missed 19 games with the injury, and struggled upon his return, yielding some starts to Gustavsson.{{cite news|title=On and off the ice, Leafs' Jonas Gustavsson has shown a quiet ferocity|url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/01/09/on-and-off-the-ice-leafs-jonas-gustavsson-has-shown-a-quiet-ferocity/|newspaper=National Post|date=January 12, 2012|access-date=January 29, 2012|last=Traikos|first=Michael|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120110073229/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/01/09/on-and-off-the-ice-leafs-jonas-gustavsson-has-shown-a-quiet-ferocity/|archive-date=January 10, 2012|url-status=dead}} After recording two back-to-back shutouts on February 1 and 4, Reimer seemed to have solidified the starting position once again.{{cite news | title=Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer made huge stops in win over Edmonton Oilers | url=https://www.thestar.com/article/1127371--toronto-maple-leafs-contain-sam-gagner-as-edmonton-oilers-lose-6-3 | location=Toronto | work=Toronto Star | date=February 7, 2012 | last=Zwolinski | first=Mark | access-date=September 1, 2017 | archive-date=April 15, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415114415/http://www.thestar.com/article/1127371--toronto-maple-leafs-contain-sam-gagner-as-edmonton-oilers-lose-6-3 | url-status=live }}

Near the end of March 2012, Reimer was starting to play to an acceptable standard again, but an upper-body injury (later revealed to be a neck injury){{cite news | url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/james-reimer-has-neck-injury-not-concussion-1.1210963 | work=CBC News | title=James Reimer has neck injury, not concussion | date=April 9, 2012 | access-date=May 3, 2012 | archive-date=April 10, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410225401/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/story/2012/04/09/sp-jamesreimer-toronto-mapleleafs-injury-nhl.html | url-status=live }} sidelined him for the remainder of the season from March 29. On April 9, he told the media he would be available by training camp in September 2012. Due to the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Reimer was afforded more time to heal and attended training camp in January 2013. Reimer held off an early challenge from rookie backup Ben Scrivens to remain Toronto's starting goaltender. On February 11, Reimer suffered a MCL strain which kept him out of action for a little over two weeks; he won all three of his next starts after returning.{{cite news | title=Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer out at least a week with knee injury | url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/02/12/maple_leafs_goalie_james_reimer_out_at_least_a_week_with_a_knee_injury.html | work=Toronto Star | date=February 12, 2013 | last=Mitchell | first=Bob | access-date=September 1, 2017 | archive-date=April 27, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427045015/https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/02/12/maple_leafs_goalie_james_reimer_out_at_least_a_week_with_a_knee_injury.html | url-status=live }} Upon returning, Reimer backstopped the Maple Leafs to their first playoff berth since 2004{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/04/22/maple_leafs_in_the_playoffs_quinn_ferguson_ponikarovsky_tucker_remember.html |title=Maple Leafs in the playoffs: Quinn, Ferguson, Ponikarovsky, Tucker remember |work=Toronto Star |date=April 22, 2013 |access-date=October 5, 2013 |archive-date=April 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427045012/https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/04/22/maple_leafs_in_the_playoffs_quinn_ferguson_ponikarovsky_tucker_remember.html |url-status=live }} and finishing the regular season with a career best 2.46 GAA and .924 save percentage in 34 games.{{cite web |url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473503 |title=James Reimer Toronto Maple Leafs – 2013–2014 Stats – Toronto Maple Leafs – Team |publisher=Toronto Maple Leafs |access-date=October 5, 2013 |archive-date=February 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228194900/http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473503 |url-status=live }}

Prior to the 2013–14 season, the club acquired Jonathan Bernier from the Los Angeles Kings. At the beginning of the season, Reimer and Bernier were splitting time in the Toronto goal, but as the season progressed, Bernier cemented his status as the Leafs' starting goaltender.{{cite news|last1=Hilson|first1=Dave|title=Maple Leafs' Bernier has No. 1 role virtually locked down|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/01/29/maple-leafs-bernier-has-no-1-role-virtually-locked-down|access-date=July 25, 2014|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=January 29, 2014|archive-date=July 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727080959/http://www.torontosun.com/2014/01/29/maple-leafs-bernier-has-no-1-role-virtually-locked-down|url-status=live}}

Following the 2013–14 season, Reimer became a restricted free agent. Dissatisfied with his role as the Leafs' backup, he requested a trade from the Leafs.{{cite web|title=Reimer requests to be traded from Maple Leafs|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/reimer-requests-to-be-traded-from-maple-leafs/|website=Sportsnet|access-date=July 25, 2014|archive-date=July 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729092145/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/reimer-requests-to-be-traded-from-maple-leafs/|url-status=live}} On July 25, 2014, the Leafs and Reimer avoided a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for the next week by agreeing to terms on a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.3 million.{{cite web|title=Leafs and Reimer receive two-year deal and avoid arbitration|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=457959|website=TSN|access-date=July 25, 2014|archive-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726010624/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=457959|url-status=live}}

Reimer began the 2015–16 season as Bernier's backup, a role he had held since the team acquired the latter. However, Bernier was injured early in the season and Reimer was given starting duties. He took off with the job, going 3–0–0 with a 1.62 GAA and .952 save percentage to be named the third star for the week of November 9–15, 2015.{{cite web|title=Duchene, Zuccarello and Reimer named stars of week|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=788185|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=November 16, 2015|archive-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117024717/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=788185|url-status=live}} Reimer would hold the position as Maple Leafs' starting goaltender for the rest of his tenure, earning praise for his play on a Toronto team that struggled throughout the year.

As the February 29 trade deadline approached, Reimer's future with the rebuilding Maple Leafs became uncertain. On February 27, 2016, two days before the deadline, Reimer was traded to the San Jose Sharks (alongside Jeremy Morin) in exchange for Alex Stalock, Ben Smith and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2018 NHL entry draft (condition dependent on the Sharks reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, a condition met, converting the pick to a third-round pick on May 25, 2016).{{cite web|title=Maple Leafs trade goaltender James Reimer to Sharks|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-trade-goaltender-james-reimer-to-sharks/|website=Sportsnet|access-date=February 27, 2016|archive-date=February 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229041653/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-trade-goaltender-james-reimer-to-sharks/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/sharks-beat-blues-reach-first-stanley-cup-final/c-280806204|title=Sharks win Game 6, reach first Stanley Cup Final|date=May 26, 2016|access-date=February 27, 2016|archive-date=June 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629160852/https://www.nhl.com/news/sharks-beat-blues-reach-first-stanley-cup-final/c-280806204|url-status=live}} Reimer had the best five-on-five save percentage and the best Fenwick save percentage in the NHL for the 2015–16 season (1,200 minutes minimum time on ice) at .9404 and .9573 respectively.[https://puckalytics.com/goaliestats.html "Puckalytics.com Goalie Statistics"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615032146/http://puckalytics.com/goaliestats.html |date=June 15, 2016 }}. Retrieved July 11, 2016.

On July 1, 2016, as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, Reimer was signed to a five-year contract with the Florida Panthers.{{cite web | url = http://panthers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=888103 | title = Florida Panthers sign Goalie James Reimer to 5-year contract | publisher = Florida Panthers | date = July 1, 2016 | access-date = July 1, 2016 | archive-date = July 5, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160705073234/http://panthers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=888103 | url-status = live }}

During his time in Florida, Reimer split goaltending duties with Roberto Luongo, often playing more games due to Luongo's tendency towards injury. Reimer would earn his 100th win in the NHL during the 2016–17 season.

After three seasons with the Florida Panthers, Reimer was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Scott Darling and a 2020 sixth-round draft pick on June 30, 2019.{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/canes-acquire-james-reimer-from-panthers/c-308133146 | title = Canes acquire James Reimer from Panthers | publisher = Carolina Hurricanes | date = June 30, 2019 | access-date = June 30, 2019 | archive-date = June 30, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190630180049/https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/canes-acquire-james-reimer-from-panthers/c-308133146 | url-status = live }}

On July 28, 2021, having left the Hurricanes as an unrestricted free agent, Reimer returned to the San Jose Sharks, signing a two-year, $4.5 million contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/sharks/news/sharks-sign-goaltender-james-reimer/c-325838878|title=Sharks Sign Goaltender James Reimer|publisher=San Jose Sharks|access-date=July 28, 2021|date=July 28, 2021|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728181059/https://www.nhl.com/sharks/news/sharks-sign-goaltender-james-reimer/c-325838878|url-status=live}}

On July 1, 2023, Reimer signed as an unrestricted free agent to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-sign-goaltender-james-reimer-to-one-year-contract/c-345163790|title=Red Wings sign goaltender James Reimer to one-year contract|publisher=Detroit Red Wings|via=NHL.com|date=July 1, 2023|access-date=July 1, 2023}}

On July 1, 2024, Reimer joined his sixth NHL club, initially adding a veteran presence in net to the Buffalo Sabres in signing a one-year, $1 million contract. Following training camp, the Sabres placed Reimer on waivers on October 6.{{Cite web |last=LaBarber |first=Jourdon |date=July 2, 2024 |title=Sabres sign Reimer to 1-year contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-sign-goaltender-james-reimer |access-date=July 2, 2024 |via=NHL.com |publisher=Buffalo Sabres}} On October 7, Reimer was claimed off waivers by the Anaheim Ducks.{{cite web |title=Ducks Claim Goaltender Reimer off Waivers from Buffalo |url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/ducks-claim-goaltender-reimer-on-waivers |publisher=Anaheim Ducks |via=NHL.com |date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024}} Remaining on the Ducks opening night roster as the backup, Reimer made two appearances to start the 2024–25 season losing both games he appeared in before he was later placed back on waivers following the return of starting goaltender John Gibson. On November 13, Reimer was re-claimed by the Sabres.{{cite web| url = https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/buffalo-sabres-claim-james-reimer-off-waivers-from-anaheim-ducks-1.2204826 | title = Buffalo Sabres claim James Reimer off waivers from Anaheim Ducks |work=TSN | date = November 13, 2024 | access-date = November 13, 2024}} Reimer made his debut for the Sabres on November 23 against the San Jose Sharks stopping 31 out of 33 shots and recording the win in a 4–2 victory.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-sjs/2024/11/23/2024020331 |title=Buffalo Sabres - San Jose Sharks - Nov 23, 2024 |publisher=National Hockey League |website=NHL.com |date=November 23, 2024 |access-date=December 4, 2024}}

Reimer's first brush with international hockey came near the end of the 2005–06 season. He was selected to play for Team Canada at the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships, but was unable to compete due to a broken hand he suffered while playing for Red Deer. After his strong rookie season in the NHL, Reimer received another invitation from Hockey Canada, this time to compete at the 2011 IIHF World Championship.{{cite web |title=Phaneuf, Schenn and Reimer headed to World Championship|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=361828|work=TSN |access-date=April 11, 2011|date=April 11, 2011|archive-date=January 1, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101150155/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=361828|url-status=dead}} Reimer got his first win in the tournament beating Belarus 4–1.{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/story/?id=364051 |title=Canada defeats Belarus in world championship opener |work=TSN |date=April 29, 2011 |access-date=October 5, 2013 |archive-date=October 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013234817/http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/story/?id=364051 |url-status=dead }}

Reimer plays in the butterfly style of goaltending.{{cite news|title=Reimer not just a steady hand – he's giving Leafs an edge|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/957084--reimer-not-just-a-steady-hand-he-s-giving-leafs-an-edge?bn=1|work=Toronto Star|access-date=March 26, 2011|last=Zwolnski|first=Mark|date=March 21, 2011|archive-date=March 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324131406/http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/957084--reimer-not-just-a-steady-hand-he-s-giving-leafs-an-edge?bn=1|url-status=live}} Observers have attributed Reimer's success during the 2010–11 season to his ability to maintain his focus and confidence. Reimer tries to focus on the basics of playing goal, feeling that the fundamentals of goaltending are the key to success, saying, "It's not about making the great save, or making a diving save or playing outside yourself. It's all about pushing, stopping, and being square and just relying on that. Most of the time if you let out a rebound the defenceman is there so it's more about being solid fundamentally."{{cite web|title=Leafs Reimer affirms Allaire changes with NHL success|url=http://ingoalmag.com/news/leafs-reimer-re-affirms-allaire-changes-with-nhl-success/|work=InGoal Magazine|date=January 15, 2011|access-date=March 4, 2011|last=Woodley|first=Kevin|archive-date=April 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410183853/http://ingoalmag.com/news/leafs-reimer-re-affirms-allaire-changes-with-nhl-success/|url-status=live}}

Reimer was born in Arborg, Manitoba, to parents Harold and Marlene Reimer. His father owns a business moving homes. He graduated from Morweena Christian High School in his hometown. His favourite hockey team growing up was the Toronto Maple Leafs and his favourite player was Ed Belfour. Reimer met his wife, April, at a junior hockey game in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.{{cite web|title=Reimer tabbed to life Leafs into postseason |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/Reimer+tabbed+lift+Leafs+into+postseason/4344173/story.html |work=Montreal Gazette |date=February 25, 2011 |access-date=March 4, 2011 |last=Stubbs |first=Dave |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301110011/http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Reimer%2Btabbed%2Blift%2BLeafs%2Binto%2Bpostseason/4344173/story.html |archive-date=March 1, 2011 }} The couple has two daughters who were born in 2017 and 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida while Reimer was a member of the Panthers.{{cite web |last1=Sibley |first1=Kailey |title=James and April Reimer welcome a baby girl |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/james-april-reimer-welcome-baby-girl/ |website=Sportsnet |access-date=September 30, 2018 |date=January 31, 2017 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930155932/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/james-april-reimer-welcome-baby-girl/ |url-status=live }}

Reimer is a practicing Christian, giving credit to God as a big part of his mental game.{{cite web |last1=Hutchison |first1=David |title=Optimus Meets Jesus on James Reimer Fans-and-Faith Mask |url=https://ingoalmag.com/masks/james-reimers-new-mask-optimus-reim/ |website=InGoal Magazine |access-date=September 30, 2018 |date=April 5, 2011 |archive-date=February 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221045722/http://ingoalmag.com/masks/james-reimers-new-mask-optimus-reim/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=Mirtle |first1=James |title=James Reimer has faith in his game |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/james-reimer-has-faith-in-his-game/article613089/ |access-date=September 30, 2018 |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=April 3, 2011 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803122337/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/james-reimer-has-faith-in-his-game/article613089/ |url-status=live }} Citing his Christian faith, Reimer chose not to wear a pride-themed jersey during warmups before a game on March 18, 2023. Reimer issued a statement reading, in part, "In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life. I strongly believe that every person has value and worth, and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey."{{cite news |last1=Sterling |first1=Wayne |title=James Reimer: Citing Christian faith, San Jose Sharks player chooses not to wear Pride-themed jersey |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/19/sport/james-reimer-pride-night-jersey-lgbtq-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=March 19, 2023 |work=CNN |date=March 19, 2023}}

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